This site is for people to share their photos, stories and memories of Cambusnethan Priory, before it is lost forever.

My own interest in The Priory, as it is known locally, dates from my childhood. I grew up on the very edge of the Clyde Valley on the Larkhall side, down an ancient farm road which may even once have been a direct route to the Priory. I would see the lovely building from across the valley, shining in the sun but surrounded by dark forest, like a fairytale castle. To me it was the oldest, most mysterious building I knew of.

Sadly it was gutted by fire in the 1980s and now only the golden sandstone shell remains, although the stunning gothic carvings remain visible. From across the valley it is not even obvious that it is now a ruin but ultimately every year brings further decline in its state. I later explored the ruins as a teenage and, I am ashamed to admit, I took a piece of stucco in the shape of a bunch of grapes which had fallen off the wall. At that time the internal staircase was still standing but not for long. So enamoured was I by the place that I took my husband there on our first date to explore the ruins!

Through Facebook, I have learned that a lot of people care about the state of this once beautiful house so I have decided to set-up this page to record their thoughts and memories. We have lost so much of our heritage - Hamilton Palace, Mauldslie Castle, Stonebyres house to name but a few. Let's preserve as much as we can about Cambusnethan Priory before it too is lost.